Mrs. Leitzel's Fourth Grade

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What’s Happening in 4L – May 18

Dear Parents,

Only ‘new news’ is our Pennsylvania Pride Field Trip at the Farm Show building area on Tuesday May 22^nd.  This is a great day of learning about Pennsylvania history and culture. We will be outside or inside a farm show building the entire day so please be sure your child wears appropriate clothing/footwear for the conditions. Also a packed lunch with disposal items is needed.

Language Arts (Reading) – We will be finishing the “That’s Amazing” theme this week with selections about a flea circus and an excerpt from The Stranger.

Language Arts Update (Spelling and Writing) -   A few language arts assignments remain in this year that is flying by.   Each child has chosen a famous Pennsylvanian to research.  On Monday and Tuesday of this week, we spent time in the computer lab researching and taking notes.  Band and orchestra children got a great start on the one day they were here.  Today we worked again for the whole class period.  Most are finished with the research and have started writing or typing.   I am asking that they complete this assignment in school next week, so that I can get a final writing grade from them without adult assistance.  Portraits of the person can be drawn at home and brought in for the report, however, if they want to save school time for writing.   The deadlines originally given won’t be met, but we have the rest of the month to complete the reports, speeches and glogs.  We will be learning how to put our research into an electronic poster called a glog the week after Memorial Day.   Spelling news:   The last test of the year is on May 23rd.  Each switch has chosen their own review words for this test.   A paper with all three lists has been given to the children that needs to be signed AFTER the words have been practiced. It needs to be turned in next Wednesday with the test.  Only the list from your child’s class will be on his/her test.    See your child’s test booklet for this week’s results and the new list that was copied from the board.  More care is needed by many to correctly get the words in the books!  On a much brighter note, the Junior Achievement essays using the spelling words were awesome!!!!      Mrs. Burke

 Science/Social Studies Happenings – Hopefully the students handed in their Haudenosaunee and Algonquian Native American project that was due Friday 5/18. We discussed and took notes on explorers on Friday 5/18 and will have a review on Monday, culminating with an explorers quiz on 5/21(from pages 22-25 in the S.S. book and notes). On Wednesday and Thursday, 5/23 and 5/24, we will concentrate on William Penn and settling in the new colony, Pennsylvania.          Mrs. Leitzel

 Math News – This week we continued reviewing some geometry with lines, line segments, points, rays, and angles. We also had a Study Island Final Test on Friday. It consisted of 44 questions, one from each lesson. Next Thursday will be the other Study Island Final. The students know how to practice for these if they would like to do so at home. We will continue revisiting some geometry next week in all three math classes. Have a great weekend. Only 12 ½ days to go until you have a MIddle Schooler on your hands!  GO BARONS  ~Mrs. Gaige

 Math Reminder from last week’s newsletter: In the next two weeks I will be taking 3 grades from Study Island. One is a final blue ribbon count on June 1^st. Your child can show you how many ribbons he/she has so far. Some are done, but many are not yet. The other 2 grades will be Study Island tests (one question per each lesson—total of 44 questions). Your child can show you how to do this practice test at home, as we have already done it here. Those quiz dates are May 18 and May 24. Basic facts (multiplication and division) will be tested for grades, as well.

Reminder – Thursday 5/24 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE and Tuesday 5/29     is CD 2, Library books are due!  Any questions or concerns, please contact me.

My last newsletter for this school year will be sent home during the last week in May.          Have a wonderful weekend!                          Mrs. De Leitzel (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

Reminders:

Tuesday   5/22  – PA Pride Field Trip                                                                                        Wednesday 5/23  – Manheim 250^th Anniversary Assembly  9:30am                                                              Friday 5/25 and Monday 5/28 – No School

What’s Happening in 4L – May 11

Dear Parents,

We had a great week with a special day on Thursday with Mrs. Bertin, our wonderful Junior Achievement presenter.  Thank you to everyone for the gifts and cards for both my birthday and Teacher Appreciate week— I so appreciate your support! Thursday May 17 is our Wetlands Field Trip and we will be walking to the Farm Show area, weather permitting. We will be outside the majority of the day so please be sure your child wears appropriate clothing/footwear for the conditions. Also a packed lunch with disposal items is needed and each child will be carrying his/her own lunch on the walk.

Language Arts (Reading) – We were busy most of the week writing our reply letters to our 5^th grade pen pals. The students took their last installment of 4Sight tests on Friday—Yippee!!!

Language Arts Update (Spelling and Writing) -   Animal Reports were fun to read!  I was impressed that so many followed the directions and got some nice stories or reports done.  We’re practicing our parts of speech with the categories game each class!  This week’s spelling test had wonderful results.  Studying any missed words and the words from our Junior Achievement Day will prepare the children for next Wednesday’s test.   The instructions for a writing assignment are on the paper with the words.   This writing assignment will be graded and needs to be on time.     On Monday, the children will choose a famous person from Pennsylvania.  We will research for the rest of the week.   We’ll do an interesting computer project for this report that I’m sure the children will enjoy creating.   Thanks for the teacher appreciation cards and gifts.  That was quite thoughtful!    Mrs. Burke J

Princess and the Pauper Update:   ALL CAST MEMBERS  must attend our next rehearsal on Thursday, May 17.  It lasts until 5 pm.   If your child needs to provide costume pieces, these should be here by then as this is a full dress rehearsal.   It will enable us to see what still needs to be done before June 4^th.    All props should also be here for this practice.   Remember, 5pm. Thanks!

 Science/Social Studies Happenings – Not too much different than last newsletter—we have a tendency to take longer time discussing topics than expected. The students will be working on their Haudenosaunee and Algonquian Native American project (they have received a rubric outlining the expectations for this project) two class periods this week (Monday or Tuesday and Wednesday). The finished product is due Friday 5/18.  Next Friday and Monday, in class, are Explorer Days with a quiz on this information (from pages 22-25 in the S.S. book and notes) on Monday 5/21.                             Mrs. Leitzel

Math News – We did not have any switches Thursday and Friday due to Junior Achievement volunteers coming in to do lessons with our students all day Thursday and both reading and math 4-Sight tests Friday. This week in math for switches 1 and 3 we worked on reviewing equivalent fractions and practiced comparing and ordering fractions with unlike denominators. Switch 2 did some fact practice. All classes also did a practice Study Island test on all 44 lessons (one question from each lesson) to practice for the last 4-Sight test that was given Friday. Those scores will be PART of what the 5^th grade team looks at to determine math class placements next year for each student. Please note: In the next two weeks I will be taking 3 grades from Study Island. One is a final blue ribbon count on June 1^st. Your child can show you how many ribbons he/she has so far. Some are done, but many are not yet. The other 2 grades will be Study Island tests (one question per each lesson—total of 44 questions). Your child can show you how to do this practice test at home, as we have already done it here. Those quiz dates are May 18 and May 24. Basic facts (multiplication and division) will be tested for grades, as well. Have a terrific weekend! THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all the sweets, gifts, flowers, and cards that came to me this week for Teacher Appreciation Week!! It made each day brighter! J ~Mrs. Gaige

Reminder – Thursday 5/17 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE and Friday 5/18    is CD 2 Library books are due!  Band practice is Monday 5/14 afternoon 12:15-1:45, Orchestra practice is Tuesday 5/15 from 12:15-1:45  Any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!                                                                 Mrs. De Leitzel            (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

Reminders:

Tuesday  5/15  – Beginner Band and Orchestra Concert   7:30pm   M.S.

Thursday 5/17 – Wetlands Field Trip (all day)  Doe Run Carnival  6:30-8:30pm

What’s Happening in 4L – May 4

Dear Parents,

Many exciting things are happening to add to our schedule during the next several weeks. On Tuesday, we supported our first graders by watching their play—So Enjoyable!  Mr. Keller is teaching a 4 week series reviewing Bullying.  Thursday, May 10,  is our Junior Achievement Day. Mrs. Bertin, Darren’s mother, will be spending the whole day with us teaching us about “Our Region” and its many resources.

Language Arts (Reading) – We continued our “Amazing Stories” theme by viewing or reading several versions of ‘Cinderella’. Next we will work  on identifying sensory details and inferencing as we read the selection “The Stranger”. Independent reading goal papers for May will be sent home this week—please sign and return.

Language Arts Up-date (Spelling and Writing) -    We are beginning our parts of speech review.  I plan on touching at least one each day for a bit in the language arts period for the rest of the year.   I would like all children to have a solid foundation in them for next year’s success.  As I write this on Thursday evening, I look forward to reading the animal reports/stories this weekend.   Some of the rough drafts I saw were well done even before editing.    I am NOT going to keep taking late work as happened the whole month of April with some students.   Assignments must come on the day due or ten points will be deducted the next day. After that, a zero will be in the grade book.  Sounds harsh, but isn’t a problem at all if work is done on a timely basis.   Next Wednesday is the spelling test.  Words are on workbook pages 237, 238, and 239.  Be sure to practice all of the words on the paper if you are taking the challenge words.  They, as well as the missed words, will not get practice on the workbook pages, and will need extra attention.   If all goes well with the animal reports and they are done on time, we will start a new surprise project in class on Friday.  I know the children will enjoy this!!

Princess and the Pauper Update:  What a wonderful rehearsal on Thursday afternoon.   This was the first time without scripts and I was thrilled with how many knew all their lines already!   We’re still switching some parts, and I  think all that are currently in the cast are quite committed, so I believe it’s time to print a program.   Here are the remaining rehearsal dates and times.    Tuesday, May 8 to 3:30,  Thursday, May 10 to 3:30.  Thursday, May 17 until 5 pm.   This is a full dress rehearsal and all costume parts that you are providing must be here. 

There is a school carnival at 6:30.  I apologize that these didn’t line up like I thought they would.    Thursday, May 24 to 4PM.   Tuesday, May 29 is our last after school rehearsal until 3:30.   Any other work we need to do will be within the school day.   Not many left until the big day!!!!!   Keep practicing in loud, accented voices!

Science/Social Studies Happenings – We continue to learn about the Haudenosaunee and Algonquin Indians that inhabited our area of Pennsylvania. Each student will be expected to produce either a graded drawing or a written composition comparing and contrasting these Native American groups. Near the end of the week, we will begin learning about the Europeans that explored and settled in this area of the New World.      Have a great weekend! Mrs. Leitzel

Math News – We had only three days of math classes this week due to schedule changes for DIBELS testing and the Beginner Band and Orchestra Concert practice held at Burgard Thursday afternoon for all of our fourth grade musicians. Monday in all three switches, we worked on the Chapter 9 Review as practice for the test. Tuesday was the Chapter 9 Test (Probability and Statistics). Friday was spent with the students doing some extra credit offerings to add to their test scores, or some students were on the computers working on First in Math. There are graded quizzes coming home today from the past week or so, but if your child did any extra credit today then his/her Chapter 9 TEST will not come home until after the weekend. Fractions (simplifying, mixed numbers, etc.) will be next week’s lessons.                                                     Have a great weekend! GO BARONS   ~Mrs. Gaige

Reminder – Thursday 5/10 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE and Friday 5/11    is CD 2 Library books are due!  Instrument lessons are CD 1 and CD 5. Mr. Hoke has issued lesson schedules to the string players.  Any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Have a wonderful weekend!                        Mrs. De Leitzel   (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

What’s Happening in 4L – April 27

Dear Parents,

We finished our last state testing this week with two days of Science PSSA on Tuesday and Thursday. The students have been real ‘troopers’ enduring all these assessments and have put forth a great effort. Now we need to remain focused through the month of May. Due to several things added to our schedule next week, we will only have our LA, Science, and Math switches Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

Language Arts (Reading) – We continued reading “Amazing Stories” with several tall tales. Next week we will read a version of Cinderella set in Martinique and compare that tale to the traditional Cinderella. The children will receive their final DIBELS test (reading fluency and retell) on Wednesday. Also final reading status for April will be taken on Tuesday.

Language Arts Up-date (Spelling and Writing) -    We spent quite a lot of the past two weeks on science to help prepare for the state tests.   I was excited to see that some took advantage of having Study Island as test preparation.   Check your child’s home page to see what he/she finished.  In addition to that assignment, there were too many late assignments in fourth grade recently.  I am trusting that knowing late work loses points and frustrates their teachers immensely will help to keep all assignments on time from now on.    If the late work from last week is not turned in by Monday, it will remain a zero in the grade book.   Next week, we will be writing about the animal that was assigned last Friday.  Be ready for the spelling test with the workbook pages on Wednesday!

Princess and the Pauper Update:  Rehearsals are going well.   ALL LINES must be memorized by May, which is next week!!!   All cast members come to all the rehearsals from now on-  first one next week is on Thursday.   Practice the lines in a loud voice in the accent you’re expecting to use!

Science/Social Studies Happenings – We are back to Social Studies, History of Pennsylvania, for the fourth marking period. Chapter 1 Lesson 2 in the Social Studies book was begun and several notes were given. Students have been assigned homework to finish reading pages 10-13 and complete the two-sided worksheet which is due on Monday (this will be graded!!!). Students will also have a quiz Monday on definitions and what life was like for the Archaic and Woodland Indians. The rest of the week will be spent learning about the Haudenosaunee and Algonquin Indians that inhabited our area of Pennsylvania.  Have a great weekend! Mrs. Leitzel

Math News – We had three math classes this week due to two days of Science PSSA testing. Each of the classes practiced probability/ outcomes and finding probability. We ended the week Friday with a quiz on those lessons. That will come home next week with a quiz on bar graphs and line graphs that was recently done, as well. Early next week we will review the chapter (Statistics and Probability) and take the Chapter 9 Test. After that, we are heading back in the book for some more work with fractions and decimals. Have a terrific weekend.    GO BARONS!   ~Mrs. Gaige

Reminder – Thursday 5/3 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE and Friday 5/4 is  CD 2 Library books are due!  Instrument lessons are CD 1 and CD 5. Mr. Hoke has issued lesson schedules to the string players. ALSO, band and orchestra practice on Thursday afternoon. Any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Have a wonderful weekend!                        Mrs. De Leitzel   (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

What’s Happening in 4L – April 13

Dear Parents,

Report cards were sent home today. Please review the grades and comments with your child. No written comments are included and no conferences are scheduled at the end of marking period 3. If you have questions, concerns or would like to schedule a conference, please contact me. Please sign and return the report card envelope—Thanks!

Language Arts (Reading) – We are finishing the theme Nature: Friend or Foe with a mini research assignment about a natural disaster. The objective is to gather information about a natural disaster from the internet and using word processing skills produce a typed final copy. Each student has chosen a natural disaster to research and a format in which to report the information (narrative or informative paragraph, skit, or poem). Thank you for signing your child’s independent reading goal paper— I am so pleased with the number of students who consistently meet, and exceed, his or her monthly reading goal.

“Language Arts” Up-date (Spelling and Writing) -    LA is in quotes because this week our language arts had a science focus.   We are using the life science book to cover some additional units before the PSSA science test on April 24 and 26.    The children looked at plant and animal life cycles, the food chain and food webs in communities, and have a new spelling list of the science vocabulary that has been discussed.   It’s a short list, so everyone should be able to focus on the few words and get a great score to start the fourth marking period.    That first spelling test will be on Wednesday, April 18.  Factual sentences using the spelling words and showing their meanings should be handed in on Wednesday before the test.    Next week we will continue science and look at animal defenses and habitats.   We’ll be looking for some of these life science topics on our hike next Thursday!   Please sign and return the language arts folder that was sent home today.  You may keep all the papers and grade sheets.   If you have any questions about the English and spelling grades, don’t hesitate to contact me.      Mrs. Burke                                 PS.   Science Study Island sections  3   B  (watch video and read lesson parts) C ( watch video and all parts of the lesson) , D (review lesson), and E  (review lesson) go with the lessons we’ve already had and should be done in the near future.  Children may work at home or use school computers at lunch recess or other times in the home base next week.   

Science/Social Studies Happenings – This week was spent reviewing a variety of concepts in preparation for the Science PSSA tests (April 24 and 26). Mrs. Scully, a presenter from the PA Resource Council shared information about Alternative Energy on Friday. Next week, we will begin each class with a Science Question of the Day and begin a unit on Pennsylvania history on Tuesday. Though we are slowly moving back into Social Studies for the 4^th marking period, students are encouraged to work on Science Study Island lessons (all of section 2, 4, and 5 should be close to completion).^.    Have a great weekend!                      Mrs. Leitzel

Math News – This week in all three math classes, students finished long division quizzes, and then we began working with Chapter 9, which is charts and graphs. We will work with all different kinds of charts and graphs for the next couple weeks in order to get ready for the Science PSSA tests the last week of April. There are often a good number of questions on those science tests that deal with data (charts, graphs, tables, and numbers), so this practice will be beneficial for the Science PSSAs. Friday was spent on computers. We are back to doing practice work on Study Island and First in Math because one of the criterion the Middle School uses for math class placement is the final 4-Sight Test scores of this year, which will be in May. Study Island and First in Math practice is a good tool for that. Have a great weekend. GO BARONS!  ~Mrs. Gaige

Reminder – Thursday 4/19 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE and Friday 4/20 is  CD 2 Library books are due!  Also, instrument lessons are CD 1 and CD 5. Mr. Hoke has issued lesson schedules to the string players.

Have a wonderful weekend!                        Mrs. De Leitzel

(leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

Things to remember:

TONIGHT – 6:30 – 8:30  Family Fun Night

Thursday 4/19 – Field Trip to Rohrer’s Quarry and hiking at Governor Dick

Pennies for Patients—Clip and Send in Boxtops

What’s Happening in 4L – March 12 – 20                                                      

Dear Parents,

A successful week of PSSA testing, but we still have two more days –                              Math test on Monday, Reading test on Tuesday. The children have displayed                              a desire to do well on the tests and have adjusted easily to the changed schedule during           the past 4 days. Please allow for plenty of sleep and hearty breakfasts while we continue to test!

Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Spelling) – We continued to do quick reviews of reading skills particularly poetry elements and began a non-fiction selection about the destruction and benefit of wildfires. The children also spent time preparing mini-science lessons to share with their fellow 4^th graders in their Science switches. They seem to be excited to share their atmosphere or cloud expertise with their classmates.

Language Arts Up-date - Since the PSSA tests have consumed so much of our time, we only had a few switches this week.  We finished the English theme test on Monday, and went over to the neighborhood ponds to breathe in some spring weather— research for the poems we’re writing.   Switch 1 worked on their poems today, and 2 and 3 will edit and refine their rough drafts on Monday.     We couldn’t let this weather go to waste!!   Spelling test will be on Thursday next week- it seems like forever since we worked on the words!  Please be sure your child is prepared.  It’s the last grade of this marking period. 

Princess and the Pauper update:  Our rehearsals this week were dedicated to character development.  Royalty is becoming haughty and the villagers are working on their “back stories”.   We should have the stage clear next week for rehearsals. We are in desperate need of starting to fit costumes, and I do not have costume help to alter or make 44 outfits.     My only alternatives if we can’t find anyone to sew are to either do it in regular clothes or put each family in charge of fixing the costume for their own child.  It works so much better to have the costumes coordinated by a few.  Please ask relatives or anyone you know that might be willing to volunteer some time to do a few and get back to me ASAP.   Thanks, Mrs. Burke J

Science Happenings – During the six days of PSSA testing (3/13 – 3/20) your child is having 2 science classes: introduction to the 5 parts of weather, weather instruments, atmosphere and cloud types. A quiz on this information is tentatively scheduled for March 22^nd.  From March 26-April 4^th we will be learning about watersheds and wetlands. Students who are not up-to-date with the lessons on Study Island are encouraged to keep working—2a-f, 3a, 4a-d, 5a, 5d.    Have a great weekend!               Mrs. Leitzel

Math News – There have been a limited number of math classes this week due to PSSA testing. Since we have spent the past few weeks working really hard on Study Island and First in Math  (the ‘Know and Show 3’ section specifically), the students were told that blue ribbon count (45 possible ribbons) on Study Island and gold star count (9 possible gold stars)on First in Math, Know and Show 3, would be taken as percentages at the end of the month. We have been working at least one class period per week since the very beginning of the year on these two programs. The past few weeks we have spent many, many, many class periods on them! Please check your child’s progress on these. If you do not have a computer at home, your child is welcome to use any and every recess time available in my room (other than the class time he/she will get here) to earn as many ribbons and gold stars as possible if they have not all been earned yet. Work at home is also allowed if you do have a computer. Thank you for your help! Have a great weekend.   GO BARONS  ~Mrs. Gaige

50’s party!!!  Thursday 3/22  -  Be sure to work on your outfit for Thursday!  We’ll have a wonderful end of PSSA reading and math test week celebration!!  See the handout for more information.

Reminder – Monday 3/19 is library day and Monday 3/26 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE. Also, instrument lessons are CD 1 and CD 5. Mr. Hoke has issued lesson schedules to the string players.

Please contact me with concerns or questions.   (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

Have a wonderful weekend!                          Mrs. De Leitzel

Things to remember:

Tuesday March 20 – The First Day of Spring!!!

Friday March 23 – No school for students

Return Pictures/Money—Order a Yearbook by April 2— Clip and Send in Boxtops

What’s Happening in 4L – March 5-9                                                      

Dear Parents,

A week full of reviewing and practicing our reading and math skills. We began the week with a wonderful visit from the author of the Amelia Bedelia books, Herman Parish, and finished the week reading non-fiction selections about salmon, halibut, and seals. One new item: As of Friday March 9, I will no longer be signing planners at the end of the day nor checking for your initials. It is time for me to ‘cut the apron strings’ and let the students be responsible to accurately write the homework assignments in their planners. I will continue to check verbally with the students that they have all necessary materials before they leave the classroom at the end of the day. I encourage you to continue to check planners and completion of homework assignments. Thank you for your support!

Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Spelling) – We read selections titled Salmon Summer and Seal Island Kids about fishing for salmon and halibut and the importance of seals to the Aleut people in Alaska. We reviewed sequencing, locating information in the text, and test taking strategies.

Language Arts Up-date - Language Arts Update:   Please check your child’s spelling test book to see the progress being made.  The recent tests have been more difficult than earlier in the year, yet many have been doing an exceptional job.  These are very important vocabulary words that the children will find on the reading and math PSSA tests.  There is only one more spelling test this marking period due to the testing schedule changes.  It is quite important that the children are prepared with all of the PSSA vocabulary words before Tuesday’s test, so this last list (meanings and spelling) will need to be reviewed in the next few days for use on the test.  The real spelling test isn’t until after this PSSA series is over, but still in this marking period.    New words were given today- don’t forget the missed words- they stay until spelled correctly!   I’m feeling confident that IF the children apply what they have learned in reading and English classes, the answers to the open ended questions will be well written.   I’ve seen beautiful writing samples from every child-   the motivation to do it on the test must come from them while writing their responses.  Perhaps they can even use the spelling words in those answers!!

Princess and the Pauper Update:  44 children in the cast!    This is a huge cast for a dramatic play, and I’m quite excited to see it come to life.   Your child knows which scenes he/she is in and should be at the appropriate rehearsals.  In addition to the script, we will be playing some theater games to sharpen the acting skills.  Each rehearsal is important.   Please note the ending times.   I appreciate your willingness to transport after school!!    I have not received many offers of sewing help and am in need of more than one person to adjust the gowns and create some of the other outfits.  So, if you know of anyone who could volunteer to do some of the costumes, please let me know.   All materials will be provided.   We have 2 months to create 44 costumes- not a small undertaking!!

Science Happenings – A green half sheet of paper was sent home with your child on 3/7 with his/her current science grade (I hope he/she shared it with you).We finished our short natural resources unit this week. In class on Thursday and Friday we worked on non-fiction comprehension skills (wind power and water) in preparation for the PSSA tests. On Monday we will begin reading about weather and clouds. During the six days of PSSA testing (3/13 – 3/20) your child will have 2 science classes in which we will be learning about weather. The students will not be accountable for Science homework or studying for a quiz until after 3/20. However, they can still be working on Science Study Island (2a-f, 3a, 4a-d, 5a, 5d).    Have a great weekend!               Mrs. Leitzel

Math News – Well, it was our last week to prepare and practice for the PSSA tests! A couple days this week, once again, were spent practicing questions on Study Island quizzes and First in Math (Know and Show) quizzes in many different math areas. The students have done very well with practice on them, both here at school and at home. I am confident that this will make a positive difference in their comfort levels next week while testing. Thank you for your help and support, parents. We also spent a couple days going over measurement (customary/metric) and using calculators, as the students in 4^th grade are allowed to use calculators on most of the test. Please send the Study Island/First in Math practice sheet to school with your child Monday, March 12 with parent signatures for the dates your child practiced at home. Extra credit will be given, as I stated before. Enjoy the weekend…looks like spring is right around the corner! GO BARONS! ~Mrs. Gaige

From Tuesday March 13 through Tuesday March 20, we will be administering 1 PSSA test per day (morning). Please remember that good, healthy, protein packed breakfasts and a lot of sleep next week will enhance your child’s performance on these tests.  I am confident the children are prepared and will do well on these evaluations.

Reminder – Monday 3/12 is library day and Friday 3/16 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE. Also, instrument lessons are CD 1 and CD 5. Mr. Hoke has issued lesson schedules to the string players.

Please contact me with concerns or questions.   (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

Have a wonderful weekend!                        Mrs. De Leitzel

Things to remember:

Turn your clocks ahead this weekend!   Spring is just around the corner. J

March 16 – Wear Green Day

Return Pictures/Money—Order a Yearbook by April 2— Clip and Send in Boxtops

What’s Happening in 4L – Feb. 26 – Mar. 2                                                      

Dear Parents,

Another busy productive week. Doe Run had another successful campaign                                         to raise funds for the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart. Thank you to the parents who sent in refreshments for JR for H and to those who helped with Muffins for Moms/Donuts for Dads, and the book fair.

Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Spelling) – We read a selection about Sacagawea, discussed her life and her importance in American history. We spent much of the week and will spend next week preparing for the PSSA tests: reviewing skills and vocabulary, discussing test taking strategies, and reading, reading, reading. For the past several months, I have been gradually assigningStudyIsland lessons (15 to date) for the students to complete. Today each student received a paper with the lessons on which he/she still need to work.StudyIsland is a wonderful tool for additional reading skill review—please encourage your child to work on these lessons at home, if a computer is available. Also, final reading status was taken and I will be assigning reading goals for March on Monday 3/5. We also did a mini-study of idioms in preparation for the author visit on Monday.

Language Arts Up-date - Spelling words were given today for the next test, which will happen on Thursday next week.   This is the next to last test that has a vocabulary grade attached to it.   It is imperative that the children study the meanings.  You can monitor your child’s progress in the spelling test booklet anytime except test day.  BIG NEWS in language arts class!   Isabella Whiting’s story for the Newspaper in Education Week journalism contest won third place in all of Lancaster County’s 4^th graders. Congratulations, Bella!!   We’re very excited to see it in print next Tuesday.   All children will be receiving a copy of Tuesday’s paper- we’ll be using it for a “newspaper day” in language arts class.  On Wednesday, we’ll have a definition quiz on the spelling words.  Be sure that all meanings are being studied along with spellings a bit each day.   The children who are waiting until the last evening to start to look at the words are not having good results.   Thursday will be the spelling test.  New words will be given on Friday.  HOWEVER, the test for THE NEW MATH words will happen after the PSSA week.  Words on that list will be seen on the math PSSA test. It is important to learn them right away, so they can be used on open ended questions.  That will be the last vocabulary/spelling list for awhile.  I hear the sigh of relief! (me, too!)  Mrs. Burke

Science Happenings – Our natural resources unit began on Wednesday. Their homework assignment due Monday 3/5 is to list on an index card 5 renewable and 5 non-renewable resources they used or saw being used this weekend. A quiz on renewable and non-renewable resources is scheduled for Wednesday March 7. We will not have Science on Monday 3/5 due to the author assembly. In Science class on March 8, 9, and 12, we will be working on non-fiction comprehension skills in preparation for the PSSA tests.              Have a great weekend!                    Mrs. Leitzel

Math News – This week in all math classes we continued to practice for our upcoming PSSA tests. We have done more vocabulary practice with definitions and pictures.  We have also worked on the computer quizzes for Study Island and First in Math (Know and Show). If your child has completed all the Know and Show portions of First in Math and has received a gold star on all of the Grade 3-4 sections, I told the students they could try the 5^th grade Know and Show. The important thing to remember there is that much of that material in the 5^th grade section will NOT be on our 4^th grade PSSA tests. So, it is not imperative that they know that material. We are concerned with the Know and Show section that has a ‘3’ on it, as that is for grades 3 and 4. Also, some fact practice right now, just to sharpen fact skills, would not hurt! The students DO have to compute some math problems with paper and pencil on the 4^th grade PSSA tests. However, calculators may be used with much of the test in 4^th grade, which is new to the children, so we will be doing a calculator day next week in all math classes. We will also be doing a measurement day, as students will be asked to measure some printed objects in the test booklet. Please make sure your child has given you the Homework Log for Study Island/First in Math, as that needs to be filled out and signed when your child works on those sites at home. It is due March 12, and I will be giving extra credit to students who take advantage of that practice time. The more time spent practicing…the more extra credit given! It could even mean the difference in a letter grade on this marking period’s report card! Have a great weekend. GO BARONS! ~Mrs. Gaige

Reminder – Monday 3/5 is library day and Friday 3/9 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE. Also, instrument lessons are CD 1 and CD 5. Mr. Hoke has issued lesson schedules to the string players.

Please contact me with concerns or questions.   (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

Have a wonderful weekend!                        Mrs. De Leitzel

Things to remember:

March 5 – Assembly Herman Parish author of Amelia Bedelia books

Order a Yearbook by April 2— Clip and Send in Boxtops

What’s Happening in 4L – February 21-24                                                       

Dear Parents,

I thought I would include a picture of a snowman in case you may have                        forgotten the season. We welcomed two new students to our class during the                      month of February—we are thrilled to have Isaiah Gray and Brandon Swecker join 4L.

Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Spelling) – We finished the selection about Lou Gehrig. We reviewed fact/opinion and compare/contrast and students were assigned Study Island reading lessons 3e and 3g.  Students continue to work on Study Island Reading lessons 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2h, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3f for blue ribbons (please check with your child that these lessons have been completed, or at least attempted). Final reading status for February will be taken Friday morning March 2.

Language Arts Up-date - We are midway in our spelling/vocabulary adventure.   The spelling words have been language arts and math vocabulary that need to be mastered in fourth grade.  They WILL be on the PSSA tests.    We take it for granted that the children have remembered perpendicular lines and shapes like hexagons and octagons from previous years.  As you may have discovered by reviewing this week’s spelling list, many of the children are still learning these shapes and concepts.  Learning the definitions, practicing on Spelling City, First in Math, and Study Island are necessary for mastery.   The new work given today is a different kind of list.  It’s called “Powerful Words”; this is a list of words that the children will find in the directions and questions on the state tests in a few short weeks.   We’ll be discussing and practicing how to easily interpret this vocabulary in the test – what to do when the directions say,  “formulate your answer” or “evaluate the actions of the characters”.  Knowing these “powerful words” will be quite helpful!!  Using these correctly spelled words to answer the questions will be quite impressive, too!   I’m very excited with the direction their writing has taken recently.  The Presidential sentence variety assignment was extremely well done!  For the next few weeks, we will be focusing on writing, so that the open ended answers will be well constructed.  Your support in learning the spelling words, both definition and how to spell them, is very much appreciated.  Learning to focus on a challenging task is not always pleasant, but will be very rewarding when accomplished.    Thanks for your efforts!!   Mrs. Cheryl Burke J

Science Happenings – Our study of Electricity has ended. The students have been assigned homework due MONDAY 2/27—writing at least a seven sentence paragraph about the procedure we used to build a flashlight. They should have a piece of notebook paper with the materials we used listed at the top. They should not repeat the materials in their paragraph. Another newspaper and worksheet homework will be assigned on Monday. This homework is due on Friday March 2, but if the students return the completed homework earlier in the week, they will receive extra credit points. We are writing a compare/contrast paragraph about Thomas Edison and Lewis Latimer on Monday and beginning a unit on Natural Resources on Tuesday. Have a great weekend!          Mrs. Leitzel

 Math News -We continue to practice a variety of math skills and areas with Study Island practice quizzes, lessons, and videos. Math skills practice also is taking place on the First in Math site. We have worked this week on our math vocabulary packet also, reviewing important vocabulary for the upcoming PSSA tests. Students are encouraged to do as much of that at home in the next few weeks as well. Ms. Pipher was my substitute Thursday, as I was at the District Office doing math curriculum writing all day. Ms. Pipher was also in for me Friday, as I had a personal day and traveled to the St. Lawrence River in New York with many family and friends to take part in an annual event to raise money for the Alex Bay River Hospital in honor of my late nephew, Cody Hollinger. I will return on Monday, and our week next couple weeks before testing will look very similar to this week. Study Island, First in Math, and vocabulary review will be the focus. Have a great weekend.  GO BARONS!  ~Mrs Gaige

Next week, we are Jumping Rope for Heart, Reading Across America, checking out the Book Fair, and having donuts with our dads or muffins with our moms (if you sent in a response paper). Reminder – Monday 2/27 is library day and Friday 3/2 is CD 1 so children should wear sneakers for PE. Also, instrument lessons are CD 1 and CD 5. Mr. Hoke has issued lesson schedules to the string players.

Please contact me with concerns or questions.   (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

Have a wonderful weekend!                        Mrs. De Leitzel

Things to remember:

Order a Yearbook — Clip and Send in Boxtops — Collect Funds for Jump Rope for Heart

What’s Happening in 4L – February 6 -10                                                       

Dear Parents,

A good week was experienced in Room 208. Our creative fun activity for the week was making our Valentine bags. We will be spending the last hour on the 14th in a class meeting and a time of games, goodies, and gabbing. It’s also wear Pink and/or Red day on Tuesday.

Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Spelling) – We finished the selections, Happy Birthday Dr. King and Dear Mrs. Parks (Rosa Park answers children’s letters), and reviewed cause/effect, fact/opinion, and prefixes/suffixes. Next week we will be reading a selection about Lou Gehrig.  Students continue to work on Study Island Reading lessons 2c, 2d, 2e, 2h, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3f for blue ribbons—lessons 2f and 3d were added this week.

Language Arts Up-date - We had a good time learning how to diagram sentences this week.  I am convinced that this will help in understanding the different parts of speech and their uses.   Studying the words and definitions really made a difference on the language arts vocabulary/spelling test this week. We had 15 students with 100 on the vocabulary, as well as 100 on the spelling.   We had 11 who failed both parts, with a wide range of grades in between.   These words are definitely important and will take some work to complete well- but it isn’t impossible.   I gave a retest on Friday to any who wanted to improve/replace their Tuesday grade.   The next test is math vocabulary on Tuesday.   I do not plan on any retest, so all need to be prepared for this on Tuesday. Remember to encourage them to study the previously missed words, too.      If your child has not shared the grade sheet for the Jersey Day reports, please ask to see it.  Their oral reports were exceptional!   We should be able to have an amazing cast for this year’s play.   Many said they were nervous, but it certainly didn’t show in their presentations.  In the written reports, topic sentences are showing great improvement.   Next week we will be focusing on writing a variety of sentences and how to apply it to their assignments in all classes, as well as the vocabulary focus in spelling.     Mrs. Burke 

Science Happenings – Science Happenings – We experimented with series and parallel circuits and researched the different types of energy (on Study Island). The quiz on series and parallel circuits will be on Tuesday February 14^th. This date gives the students the entire weekend AND Monday evening to study because we finished the notes on both circuits on Friday. We will be reviewing on Monday in class. The unit on electricity and energy is winding down next week. Blue ribbons on Study Island lessons 2b, 2f, 3a, 4b, and 4c are required by 2/20.Students should read the lesson on Study Island and then complete quiz, working on it until they earn a blue ribbon. NO extra credit will be offered again until we have a 5 day school week. Thanks for your support!                 Mrs. Leitzel

 Math News -This week switches 1 and 3 worked with decimals. Students learned to write decimals for fractions and mixed numbers to the tenths and hundredths places. They also compared and ordered decimal numbers. One day was spent on various Study Island quizzes for practice for the upcoming PSSA tests in a month. Friday was a quiz on the decimal work they had done during the week, and that will come home graded early next week. Next week we will get into some geometry work. Switch 2 worked with long division (2-, 3-, and 4-digit dividends). They ended the week with a quiz on that material, and that will come home graded early next week as well. They were also given one class period to strengthen various math skills on Study Island. Next week switch 2 will be working with fractions and then decimals. Geometry will follow. As I had mentioned before, the next 4 weeks we will be covering and reviewing many math areas to properly prepare for the PSSA testing in March! Please keep Study Island and First in Math in mind as helpful practice sites! Have a nice weekend.      GO BARONS!  ~Mrs. Gaige

 A flyer was sent home this week about the author Herman Parish’s visit on March 5^th with the opportunity to purchase several of his Amelia Bedelia books. Orders and money for the books are due Monday 2/13. Reminder – CD 1 is Wednesday 2/15 so children should wear sneakers for PE and Thursday 2/16 is library day. Also, instrument lessons are CD 1 and CD 5. Mr. Hoke has issued lesson schedules to the string players. When we return on the 21^st, it will be CD 3.

Please contact me with concerns or questions.   (leitzeld@manheimcentral.org)

Have a wonderful weekend!                        Mrs. De Leitzel

Things to remember:

Order a Yearbook — Clip and Send in Boxtops — Collect Funds for Jump Rope for Heart

Thursday February 16  6:30 – Science Night at the High School

No School – Friday February 17 and Monday February 20

Spring Picture Day – Tuesday February 21